AN investigation has been launched after a 35-year-old Essex man was killed in a car crash.

The accident happened near Stanway, just outside of Colchester, on the south bound carriageway of the A12 shortly after 9am.

A black Ford Galaxy struck a post and the 35-year-old driver, who is yet to be named, was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed that he may have fallen ill at the wheel but this will not be known for definite until a post mortem is completed.

It is understood that the man is from the Colchester area and although formal identification has been carried out his close relatives have not yet been told.

A female passenger, and only other occupant, was uninjured.

A spokesman for Essex police said a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out at some stage next week.

Officers closed the A12 in both directions between Stanway and Marks Tey for around four hours while paramedics dealt with the driver.

Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact investigating officers at Stanway Road Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444.